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Swimming mouse among 27 new species discovered in Peru
An amphibious mouse with webbed feet and a blob-headed fish are among 27 new species scientists have discovered in Peru.
They were found in an expedition to Alto Mayo – which includes the Amazon rainforest – by scientists from the non-profit organisation Conservation International and members of local indigenous groups.
Up to 48 other new species may also have been found, although further study will be needed to determine whether they are new, Conservation International says.
“Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape,” said Trond Larsen, senior director at Conservation International
Alto Mayo is a protected area in northern Peru with multiple ecosystems and Indigenous territories.
It has a relatively high population density, putting pressure on environmentalism through deforestation and agricultural expansion, Conservation International said.
Yulisa Tuwi, an Awajún woman who assisted with the research, said the report “allows the Awajún to protect our culture, natural resources and our territory”, as it gives them a better understanding of the ecosystems.
“The Awajún have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants they live side-by-side with,” Mr Larsen said.
The expedition also found a new species of dwarf squirrel. eight types of fish, three amphibians and 10 types of butterfly.
This “blob-headed” fish is a new discovery to science, but the Indigenous Awajún people who helped with the expedition were already aware of its existence.
The fish scientists were particularly shocked by its enlarged head – something they had never seen before.Ronald Diaz/ Conservation International
A new species of dwarf squirrel will also belong to a new genus, giving it a higher level of distinction
This dwarf squirrel measures just 14cm (5.5in), half the length of an average grey squirrel in the UK, which ranges from 24 to 29cm, according to the UK Squirrel Accord.
“It fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown colour, very fast,” Larsen said. “It jumps quickly and hides in the trees.”
Scientists discovered a new species of spiny mouse – named after the especially stiff guard hairs found on their coats, which function similar to the spines of a hedgehog.
They also found a new “amphibious mouse”, which has partially webbed feet and eats aquatic insects.
It belongs to a group of semi-aquatic rodents considered to be among the rarest in the world, with the few species known to exist only spotted a handful of times by scientists.
(BBC)
Thirty-six (36) naval personnel completed an eight-month Basic Marine Qualification Course and received their Marine insignia at the main parade ground of SLNS Vidura in Sampur, Trincomalee today, (29 August 2026).
At the invitation of Commandant SLNS Vidura, Captain Ravindu Harischandra, the ceremony was graced by Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy and Commander Eastern Naval Area.
The group, comprising 3 officers and 33 sailors, completed the 10th intake of the Basic Marine Qualification Course, after volunteering for the demanding training programme.
In recognition of exceptional performance during the training, trophies were presented to outstanding personnel. Lieutenant (S) VPA Sasanka was awarded trophies for Best Marine of the Course, Highest Aggregate in Overall Subjects, and Best Marksman.
Physical Training Instructor WMGDP Bandara received the trophy for Best Physical Fitness. Addressing the newly qualified personnel,
Rear Admiral Liyanagamage congratulated them on successfully completing the course. He urged them to use the skills and experience gained through their training to contribute to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also called on them to apply the courage and determination developed during the course both in their professional and personal lives, and to remain prepared to meet any challenge faced by the country.
He stressed the importance of keeping their knowledge and training up to date and maintaining constant vigilance while carrying out their duties.
Rear Admiral Liyanagamage also expressed his appreciation to
the Commanding Officer of SLNS Vidura and the directing staff for their contribution to the successful completion of the course.
The insignia ceremony also included a demonstration showcasing the capabilities and skills of the Sri Lanka Navy Marine.
Rear Admiral Achala Silva, Director General Logistics; Rear Admiral Kusal Dissanayake, Commandant Naval Infantry; Commodore Sanjeewa Kodikara, Director Marine; officers
from Navy Headquarters and the Eastern Naval Area; senior officers from the Army, Air Force and Police; and parents of the newly passed out marine personnel attended the ceremony.
Water levels in the lake which formed amid the debris of the landslide in Tibet are rising once again, according to Chinese state media.
There is a continued risk of secondary mudslides or landslides, the report adds.
The command team in charge of rescue efforts around Gyirong port, the main land border between Nepal and Tibet, have launched drones and set up observations posts to monitor the slopes and provide an early warning system to rescuers working nearby.
Search teams are making the most of a short weather window to try to find survivors.
Work is also underway to try to re-open the road.
(Aljazeera)
More than 600 people have died following Wednesday’s devastating flash flood in Nepal.
An update from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Authority (NDRRMA) confirms the figure as 626 and the number of people missing as 2,426, as rescue operations continue for the fourth day
Emergency teams are warning that rain is making it difficult to reach some of the worst affected areas, our correspondent in Trishuli writes
Families of the missing – including at least 517 foreign nationals – are waiting for news on the whereabouts of their loved ones
(Aljazeera)
Thirty-six naval personnel pass out on successful completion of Marine training
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More than 600 killed in Nepal flood as search for survivors enters fourth day
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